Lion in bed

Over-the-top plotting propels this lively story from previous collaborators Farrell and Tatsukawa (Give This Book Away!), about a father lion's extreme efforts to rouse a child. Having planned a "roaring-good day," Papa Lion finds upstairs not a rise-and-shine cub but "a lion in bed,/ just a'lying in bed." The parent proceeds to pull out all the stops in an attempt to cajole Little Lion into the day. First, there's breakfast in bed, with staff from local Cat'z Diner appearing in Little Lion's room. Next, Papa proposes an outing to the playground, but brief rhymes capture the sleepyhead's continued resistance: "Lion in bed,/ well he shook his head." The domestic hijinks increase as a playground, birthday celebration, soccer game, and even New York City arrive, but each proves no more compelling than the last to Little Lion. Digitally finished artwork combines handmade textures, stencils, and cut paper in milky-hued spreads, which alternate scenes of the bedroom with cutaway views of the three-story home gradually filling with partygoers, soccer players, and the like. When Papa eventually collapses into the sack, he inadvertently stumbles upon the child's actual wishes, showing that sometimes a snuggly day is just what is needed. Ages 3--7. Author's agent: Sara Crowe, Sara Crowe Literary. Illustrator's agent: Wendi Gu, Sanford J. Greenburger & Assoc. (Oct.)

A lion does everything he can to get his cub out of bed. Papa Lion has a lot in store for his day with Little Lion. But Little Lion doesn't want to get up, no matter what Papa Lion suggests--breakfast in bed, a surprise party in bed, even New York City in bed! With each proposal, a group of big cats arrives to fill their adorable little house to overflowing. Nothing works, because it turns out that all Little Lion wants is to snuggle with Papa Lion. Papa Lion appears to be a single father, but the pair are surrounded by extended family and community. At times the rhyme and meter work well, giving the text a wonderful musical rhythm when read aloud, but it's inconsistent, sometimes vanishing with a thud and disrupting the flow. The off-and-on rhymes are clearly intentional, but the meter is also often awkward. Nevertheless, Tatsukawa's full-page illustrations are incredibly cute and lively, depicting a bevy of adorable tigers, lynxes, cheetahs, and other cats in gentle colors. Each spread is full of funny details (and cats) for readers to find. A sweet and funny reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.